IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MEDIEVAL BUILDERS
France
Renovation
Construction
Renovation
Construction
Fixed dates
About the project
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MEDIEVAL BUILDERS
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
L\'Association du Patrimoine Oublié was created in 1998 on the initiative of several inhabitants of Noyers. They were motivated by a common desire to restore the old castle to its former glory. For twenty years, volunteers from all over the world come to help them during workcamps or cultural activities, such as the Gargouillosium, which brings together twenty sculptors each year to make some stone gargoyles.
The site is a must for those who visit the mediaeval town of Noyers-sur-Serein. With its typical squares, half-timbered houses, historic facades and carved stone pinnacles, this village of character attracts tourists from all over the world. Some artists and craftspeople have settled here after being seduced by the old stones. A varied summer cultural programme is proposed each year, with several highlights, including, in July, the "Rencontres Musicales de Noyers“.
💼 What the programme involves
Walk in the footsteps of mediaeval builders by contributing to the reconstruction of a 10th century castle, located on the hills above the mediaeval town of Noyers-sur-Serein, listed among the 100 most beautiful villages of France.
Considered as a stronghold of Burgundy until the 15th century, the castle of Noyers was known for its extremely strong defences, until it was dismantled in 1599, on the command of King Henry IV, in a context still influenced by the Wars of Religion.
Nowadays, the ruins of the castle spread over a wooded area of 8 acres, which makes it possible to imagine the greatness of the buildings of the past.
Your task will be to pursue the reconstruction of the first tower by using traditional masonry techniques. Some of the work will be done on a scaffold. It is important not to be scared of heights. You may also be required to do some stone cutting or clearing work. By doing this, you will be helping to bring back to life a heritage that has been neglected for more than 4 centuries, to the great delight of tourists and history lovers.
🏠 Accommodation on site
The accommodation will be set up below the worksite, in a camp especially created to host summer workcamps volunteers, located on the banks of the Serein, a small river that runs through the village. You will have an individual tent. You will have access to toilets and showers. A kitchen will be available to prepare your meals, while a large tent will allow you to organise collective activities or to shelter in case of bad weather. In collaboration with the animation team, you will participate in the shopping and cooking. Following an eco-friendly approach, you will be invited to use local and seasonal products. By the way, feel free to come with your own recipes, it's a great opportunity to share your history and culture with the group. Wifi will be available in the town or by hotspot with the French volunteers and the animation team.
📍 About the location
Noyers-sur-Serein is located two hours from Paris, in the heart of Burgundy, in an outstanding natural area well known for the quality of its vineyards. In addition to its mediaeval architecture, the town has a strong winegrowing and agricultural identity. The "Petite-Etape-aux-Vins" and "Marché-au-Blé" squares in themselves remind us of all this part of the local history. In your free time, you will have the opportunity to talk to the inhabitants and discover all the treasures of the area. Don't hesitate to walk among the streets, small wonders are hidden everywhere. The “Musée des Arts Naïfs et Populaires“, renowned for its vast collection of eclectic pieces of art, is also waiting for you.
⚠️ Requirements
Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues arise on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country.
This project is supported by the program European Solidarity Corps (ESC) for young people between 18 and 30 years. It is open to all volunteers that fit the ESC criteria.
The participation to the ESC volunteering teams is subjects to several principles and conditions, presented on the ESC webpage: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/mission_en
- volunteers do not have to pay any fee (not sending, nor participation fee) to attend the project and will receive a financial support for their travel, according to a maximum amount established in accordance with their travel distance and upon the presentation of original tickets;
- volunteers need to enrol in the PASS, the ESC Portal; then Concordia France will organise their matching, on the online system, with the volunteering project;
- volunteers will receive pocket money, calculated on basis of 6€/day, once they arrive on the project in France;
- volunteers will have to complete a participation report, submitted online through the portal.
ℹ️ Additional information
The worksite is located in a rural area. For practical and ecological reasons, travels will be on foot. Beware : you'll have to climb a number of steps every day to get to the site.
Remember to take gloves, clothes and shoes suitable for outdoor work. Don't forget to bring a sleeping bag and a mattress to sleep.You can also use a pillowcase as a pillow by filling it. Remember to bring summer and raincoat, as well as your swimsuit and toiletries.
You can bring board games, a musical instrument or any other object from your country that you wish to share with the group. Please take three weeks of clothing with you.
On the last day (19/07), the departure time is usually set in the morning.
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📅 Available sessions
CONCF-4508-ESC
28/06/2024 → 19/07/2024
Volunteers registered
0 / 14
♂ 0/7
♀ 0/7
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–30 years old
Solidarity donation
0.00
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
89310 Noyers, France
France
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Euro Member Countries (EUR / €)
Timezone
Central European Standard Time
Local time: 22:15 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
Collective
🗣️ Languages spoken
English
French